Mayor Edwards Presents Homelessness Initiative and Community Engagement Plans at Southern University Town Hall

BATON ROUGE, La. – In a bid to tackle homelessness and foster better community engagement, East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards returned to his roots, engaging Southern University students at a town hall meeting on Tuesday evening.

Hosted as part of a "tea talk" session, the event offered students a platform to voice their concerns about campus life and surrounding neighborhoods. Student Government Association President Kennedy Orr, who helped organize the meeting, emphasized the importance of transparent dialogue between students and the city's leadership.

"Bridging the gap and having honest conversations is key," Orr stated. "We need to hear from everyone and create a space where all concerns are addressed."

Housing and access to fresh, healthy food were among the top issues raised by students, with Orr advocating for improvements in both areas. Edwards, in turn, expressed his vision for revitalizing North Baton Rouge, an area close to his heart.

“My goal is to restore North Baton Rouge to its former vibrancy," Edwards shared with the crowd. "We need more businesses, grocery stores, and dining options—places that make our community more livable and connected."

Acknowledging the area's historical struggles, Edwards described North Baton Rouge as "the land that time forgot," but pledged to change that narrative with a revitalization effort led by a committed team.

One of the key highlights of Edwards’ address was the announcement of two new satellite offices, designed to enhance public access to local government. These offices will be located at the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness on Harding Boulevard and the McKinley High Alumni Center. The goal is to ensure that residents can easily engage with city officials and share their concerns.

In addition to fostering better communication, Edwards unveiled a new initiative focused on homelessness, particularly those impacted by addiction and mental health issues. He emphasized that the city would take a proactive stance in addressing these challenges.

"We will not allow individuals to remain on the streets causing harm," Edwards stated. "While we are not looking to replicate the sweeps seen in New Orleans, we will strongly encourage individuals to seek assistance and remove disruptive behaviors from our streets."

The initiative, still in its early stages, reflects a broader commitment to addressing homelessness with a focus on long-term solutions. Edwards and his team are currently researching successful programs from other cities to develop the most effective approach for Baton Rouge.

As the discussion came to a close, Edwards reiterated his pledge to be accessible to all residents, emphasizing that his administration's success hinges on collaboration and open communication with the people of Baton Rouge.

For more updates on Mayor Edwards' initiatives, residents are encouraged to stay connected through the newly announced satellite offices and upcoming town halls.